Stoke boss Mark Hughes has accused his Hull counterpart Steve Bruce of trying to "defend the indefensible" over Maynor Figueroa's tackle on Stephen Ireland, who is facing two to three weeks out as a result of the challenge.

The incident in Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash, which prompted no action from the officials at the time, left Ireland with a huge gash in his calf that required "12 to 15 stitches" and keeps him out of Everton's visit to the Britannia Stadium on Wednesday.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez praises his side for their efforts in their 2-nil defeat by Arsenal.

Liverpool put notions of a Europa League hangover to bed with a crucial victory over Manchester City, while Arsenal returned to winning ways against Everton.

Arsenal recovered from their midweek European nightmare to beat Everton 2-0 at Emirates Stadium and move back to third in the Premier League.

LIVERPOOL -- Everton left-back Leighton Baines faces a late fitness test on a quad muscle injury as manager Roberto Martinez seeks a quick upturn in Premier League form. Baines is a doubt for Wednesday's league trip to Stoke after missing the 2-0 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday with a knock sustained in training.

England Under-21 defender Luke Garbutt is on standby to deputise for a third successive match, as second choice left-back Bryan Oviedo is also injured.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez praises his side for their efforts in their 2-nil defeat by Arsenal.

Veteran midfielder Gareth Barry says there is no talk of facing a relegation dogfight in the Everton dressing room, but knows they must start winning again sooner rather than later.

Toffees manager Roberto Martinez admitted after Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Arsenal his team are "not enjoying" their Premier League campaign, with just one win from the last 11 leaving them six points above the drop zone.